Referees ready to blow the whistle on card-wavers

Can you think of a player that loves waving the imaginary card? Name and shame them at the bottom of this page

Players will be told to cut out the imaginary card-waving to encourage referees to book a rival as part of the drive to rid football of the problem.

As Sportsmail's campaign to punish the perpetrators drew support from all parts of the game yesterday, the FA Premier League is taking steps to address the issue.

Referees' chief Keith Hackett will ask PFA chairman Gordon Taylor when the pair next meet to remind his members of their responsibilities, not only to the game but to each other.

Hackett will also stress to Taylor that refs already have the power to book players for waving an imaginary card and that the pre-season agreement for more respect towards officials from players and managers is being compromised.

Graham Barber, who retired as a Premier League referee in 2004, said: "This has been in the game for a few years and I'm happy to support a campaign like this. I'm sure it would be welcomed by referees if they could act.

"What has to be clarified by the authorities is this: does the act of showing an imaginary yellow card constitute unsporting behaviour, which is bookable under the rules? I think it does, and the next step is very simple.

"I'd like to feel that if cautions were introduced, it would act as a deterrent with clubs telling their players to stop doing it. But if this was introduced, it would be up to everybody - clubs, players, managers and the media - to support referees.

"There are bound to be controversial incidents when star players are sent off for a second caution and everybody blames the referee for doing his job. This should not be allowed to happen."

Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee also backed the campaign. Now a Sky Sports pundit, Cottee said: "Those players who do this should be booked. Absolutely. I've been saying it for two or three years since it came into England. Action is long overdue.

"When a player waves an imaginary card, the referee should say: 'Yes, it is a yellow card, but it's for you'. It's just unacceptable, trying to get a fellow pro into trouble. It's the referee's job to decide whether a foul deserves a yellow card."

Can you think of a player that loves waving the imaginary card? Name and shame them below